October Travel Guide
- Maria Pastore
- Sep 24, 2025
- 4 min read
Savvy travelers know that October is prime time for catching the last kiss of summer or seeking out new adventures before winter settles in. If falling leaves and heavier coats don’t spark joy, good news: there are plenty of fall destinations that combine memorable sights, good food, and pleasant weather without the summer crowds.
1. Istanbul and the Turkish Coast
Average temperature: 68°F
October in Turkey is when the Mediterranean takes a well-deserved deep breath. The heat softens, crowds thin, and golden sunsets stretch across the Bosphorus. Mornings are for Turkish coffee sipped street side in Istanbul, or at a hidden café in one of the fishing villages along the coast. Spend afternoons wandering the spice-scented bazaars or along the Aegean, where the sea is still warm for swims and sailing. The old city’s mosques and palaces glow in the late light, and the markets are brimming with pomegranates and figs. It’s laid-back, delicious, and full of vibrant color.
Things to try:
Strolling through Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet
Eating simit bread fresh from the cart
Exploring quiet stretches of the Lycian Way
Sunset ferry rides on the Bosphorus
Where to stay:
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Average temperature: 72°F
With the crowds gone and the Adriatic still warm, October is when Dubrovnik feels downright dreamy. The ancient city walls are perfect for aimless walks in the afternoon sun, and sea views are uninterrupted by cruise groups. Locals gather in the squares again, truffles and late-harvest figs fill the markets, and relaxed wine bars spill out onto terraces. This is when Dubrovnik’s old soul shines, and every alley and fort feels somehow more cinematic.
Don’t miss:
Walking the walls at golden hour
Sampling Croatian figs and olive oil at the local market
Catching a boat to the Elafiti Islands for a beach day
Enjoying a glass of Dingač red with harbor views
Where to stay:
3. Costa Brava, Spain
Average temperature: 70°F
Skip the summer crowds and discover a Costa Brava that the locals love. Secret coves and golden beaches are easy to find, but it’s the medieval villages, clifftop towns, and tumbledown stone streets that steal the show in October. Feast your way through family-run bistros in Begur, linger over seafood paella with a sea breeze, and wander small towns where every doorway is draped with history. The sea is still inviting and the hiking trails are best savored without the summer heat.
What to experience:
Tour the cliffside villages like Cadaqués and Begur
Swim and snorkle in turquoise calas
Explore Terragona, a Catalonian town filled with ancient Roman history
Daytrip to Girona for food, shopping, and history
Where to stay:
4. Cairo, Egypt
Average temperature: 86°F
Cairo in October means sun-drenched days without the desert’s punishing peak heat, making it ideal for exploring the city’s ancient treasures. The crowds are lighter at the pyramids and museum halls, and the city buzzes with energy—from the call to prayer drifting over the Nile to rooftop cafés overlooking the chaos below. Take time to see both pharaohs and feluccas, wandering between ancient wonders and a super-modern dining and nightlife scene.
Top highlights:
Marveling at the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Getting lost in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar
Museum-hopping for Egyptian antiquities
Sailing down the Nile on a breezy felucca at sunset
Where to stay:
5. Morocco: Marrakech and Beyond
Average temperature: 77°F
Why not trade dying leaves for a feast of color and spice in Morocco? In October, Marrakech’s medina becomes a maze of carpets, lamps, and swirling scents. The weather is just right for day trips to the Atlas Mountains, desert nights under the stars, or the beaches of Essaouira. Eat tagine alfresco, lose track of time in an open-air souk, or book a hammam for ultimate relaxation. The country comes alive in fall, welcoming you with music, market noise, and warm, endless evenings.
Favorite fall moments:
Wandering the Jardin Majorelle or the vibrant souks in Marrakech
Camel trekking in the Sahara at sunrise
Surfing or relaxing in laid-back Essaouira
Savoring spicy street food and fragrant mint tea
Where to stay:
6. Oaxaca, Mexico
Average temperature: 80°F
October is the start of Oaxaca’s dry season, bringing mild days, cool evenings, and a festive feel throughout the city. Streets brim with markets and food stalls, while surrounding villages are perfect for exploring ancient ruins or local artisan workshops. This month’s highlight is Día de los Muertos, when vibrant altars, processions, and traditional dances honor loved ones in a celebration of life that sweeps through every neighborhood. Oaxaca offers a rich medley of culture, history, and food—set against mountains that turn emerald after the rains.
Favorite fall moments:
Experiencing the unforgettable colors and traditions of Día de los Muertos
Wandering local markets for mole, mezcal, and handmade crafts
Visiting archaeological sites like Monte Albán
Whether you want to extend your summer or simply escape to somewhere that feels like a whole new world, these October destinations are proof that the best adventures often wait for those who travel just after the rush. It's not too late to plan the perfect getaway - book your discovery call today and I can help you finalize an unforgettable last minute trip!
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